NEW GLASGOW – Philip MacKenzie has a passion for music and supporting the Atlantic Burn Camp.

Philip MacKenzie sits with signed photos of Frank and Peter Mahovlich, a dozen bicycle helmets and over $1,000, all of which will be going to the Atlantic Burn Camp in Cape Breton. MacKenzie, a longtime supporter of the camp, believes that music has the ability to take the youth with burn injuries out of their shell. JOHN BRANNEN – THE NEWS

It’s these two passions that have led him to organize another successful fundraiser for the camp.

“It’s all thanks to the generosity of the people of Pictou County and the surrounding areas,” said MacKenzie. “People aren’t afraid to dig deep.”

Over $1,000 was raised to support the activities and operation of the camp in Cape Breton through various fundraisers in the community. Along with the funds, a dozen bicycle helmets and drug safety booklets from the New Glasgow Regional Police Service and a guitar will be given to the camp.

Two especially unique gifts will be presented to the camp from MacKenzie. Hockey greats Frank and Peter Mahovlich signed two large posters created by Gary Jefferson for all at the camp to enjoy.

“All the donations from those CD sales will be given in Allan’s memory,” he said. “It’s special because he’ll finally get the recognition he deserves as Pictou County’s Hank Snow.”

Added to the existing guitars and violins at the camp, those youth aged 6 to 17 who will be attending the camp this summer will receive an instrument, case, MacKenzie’s instructional program, a tuner and foot stand.

An employee at West River Greenhouses gave the guitar to MacKenzie for use at the burn camp during the summer. He believes that music has a special role to play in the lives of those youth with burn injuries.

“It takes them out of their shell,” he said. “They may go back home and meet up with someone who plays guitar and it gets them socializing and leading a normal life. This is what it’s all about.”

Philip MacKenzie sits with signed photos of Frank and Peter Mahovlich, a dozen bicycle helmets and over $1,000, all of which will be going to the Atlantic Burn Camp in Cape Breton. MacKenzie, a longtime supporter of the camp, believes that music has the ability to take the youth with burn injuries out of their shell. JOHN BRANNEN – THE NEWS